Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has made a surprising admission about Sunderland’s pursuit of promotion back to the Premier League.
On Saturday lunchtime, Sunderland and Newcastle United locked horns for the first time since 2016.
Both sets of supporters arrived at this FA Cup clash feeling the derby day buzz and the electric atmosphere at the Stadium of Light complimented what was a special occasion.
Although it was the first time Sunderland had tasted defeat in this fixture in ten meetings as Newcastle supplied a 3-0 drubbing, the two sides were reminded about the importance of this fixture for the city.
There are only a few matches in English football that are marked in the footballing calendar, including but not limited to the Manchester Derby, Merseyside Derby and indeed, the Tyne-Wear Derby.
After last playing out a 1-1 draw in the Premier League eight years ago, there is hope that it won’t be as long till supporters have to wait for another occasion to saviour.
With Newcastle cementing their place among the league’s elite and Sunderland battling for promotion out of the Championship, a clash in the top flight could be on the cards in the near future.
Now, Magpies legend Alan Shearer has delivered his verdict on what he hopes Michael Beale’s side achieve this season.
Alan Shearer makes Sunderland promotion claim
The aftermath of the derby has left fans of both persuasions craving more.
Former Newcastle striker and lifelong supporter Shearer is certainly on that list having played his part in several Tyne-Wear derbies.
Across his illustrious playing career, though, he surprisingly only scored four goals in 13 appearances, as per Transfermarkt, against Sunderland.
After watching a pulsating FA Cup contest unfold before his eyes, it reminded him of the nasty affairs he played in and he has now outlined his wish to see Sunderland return to the top flight this season.
Speaking on the Rest Is Football Podcast, he said: “Yeah, we don’t like each other. And it’s pretty nasty but they are great games to play in. I mean, they might not thank me, but I really hope that Sunderland come up because Newcastle vs Sunderland games haven’t happened for such a long time that you do miss them, because they are great games to play in. It’s very, very nasty.”
It says a lot about the atmosphere and meaning of the fixture that a Newcastle icon is hoping that the Mackems achieve promotion this term.
Given Beale’s side are in sixth position, two points behind fifth-place West Bromwich Albion, there is every chance that Shearer’s wish gets granted this season.